Kalinago Territory, Dominica, February 12^h , 2021 –The United Workers Party would like to thank the Government of India for Financing the supply of 35, 000 of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines to Dominica; the government of Dominica wrote to request the assistance, and you came through for us.  The sad reality is after twenty (20) years of the current Administration, we have become a Nation that is entirely dependent on others. As a people, we the citizens of Dominica know that with a population of 1.3 billion people, India has a massive challenge of its own in dealing with this pandemic, hence the reason we are ever so grateful for this extra ordinary gift.

Vaccines are one of the best success stories in public health.  Over the years they have proven to be effective in eradicating diseases such as measles, mumps   and polio virus.  Globally, the number of individuals who suffer the harmful effects of these preventable infectious diseases are at an all-time low.  However, to ensure the continual success of vaccines in Dominica, it’s important to make sure that vaccines are safe.

As a political Party we are advocating for individuals to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 disease, however, it’s significant to know that there are different methods in preparing vaccines and individuals should decide which vaccine they will take based on the content of what the vaccine is made of.  It is understandable that many view vaccines with great scepticism and that you are minded not to take them. We fully respect your right to make up your own mind about this. As a Party we would urge everyone not to let the noise and stories on the internet and social media to sway you, without taking time to give it some considered thought of your own.

In addition to the vaccines we call upon the citizenry to adopt other healthy preventive means to help boost their immune systems and reduce cost associated with medical bills through proper rest, exercise, use of local medicines, eating healthy diets made up mainly of home grown foods. The citizenry is also requested to continue adhering to all the Health Protocols such the frequent washing of hands; use of hand sanitizers, the wearing masks and maintaining social and physical distances.

To Dominica’s frontline workers, we say thank you for everything that you have done so far. We are aware its challenging for you and your families. We also know that providing quality health care with limited resources in no easy task, – and we hope that the Government of Dominica has a plan in place that covers all eventualities- including your own welfare.

We need organisation, structure, management, communication, information and transparency as we move forward with the vaccination of our population. We urge the Government of Dominica to ensure Dominica becomes a shining light on the path to efficient vaccine distribution, because we the citizens will hold you accountable.